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Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (USA)
Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (USA) on TG16
Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III is the third entry in Taito's beloved Bubble Bobble saga, following Rainbow Islands. This TurboGrafx-16 version hit North America in the early 1990s, bringing the series' signature blend of platforming and puzzle action to NEC's console. It is an official retail release, not a hack or translation, and was developed and published by Taito for the platform.
Gameplay places you in control of either Bub or Bob, who now wield a parasol instead of blowing bubbles. You run and jump through colorful, single-screen stages, using the parasol to block enemy attacks and deflect them back. The core objective is to clear each level by defeating all foes or collecting enough star-shaped items to open the exit. Power-ups appear as you progress, and the game retains the cooperative two-player mode that made its predecessors so enjoyable.
As a follow-up to Rainbow Islands, Parasol Stars refines the parasol mechanic and offers tighter level design. It may not have the brand recognition of the original Bubble Bobble, but it stands as a solid platformer on the TurboGrafx-16 library. If you like classic arcade-style action with a gentle learning curve and charming visuals, this one is worth revisiting. It's a niche title even among series fans, but that gives it a certain cult appeal today.
Gameplay places you in control of either Bub or Bob, who now wield a parasol instead of blowing bubbles. You run and jump through colorful, single-screen stages, using the parasol to block enemy attacks and deflect them back. The core objective is to clear each level by defeating all foes or collecting enough star-shaped items to open the exit. Power-ups appear as you progress, and the game retains the cooperative two-player mode that made its predecessors so enjoyable.
As a follow-up to Rainbow Islands, Parasol Stars refines the parasol mechanic and offers tighter level design. It may not have the brand recognition of the original Bubble Bobble, but it stands as a solid platformer on the TurboGrafx-16 library. If you like classic arcade-style action with a gentle learning curve and charming visuals, this one is worth revisiting. It's a niche title even among series fans, but that gives it a certain cult appeal today.
How to Play Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (USA) Online
The game starts with a title screen; press Start to begin. You control a character who can move left, right, and jump. The parasol is your main tool: press the attack button to open it, which can block enemy projectiles and deflect enemies themselves. Your goal on each stage is to defeat all enemies or collect enough stars to trigger the level exit. Core loop: explore the stage, avoid damage, use the parasol strategically, and gather stars that drop from defeated enemies. New players should experiment with the parasol's deflection timing - it can stun enemies or redirect their attacks. The difficulty ramps gradually, and you have unlimited continues, so don't worry about losing. If playing in two‑player mode, coordinate with a friend to cover each other's backs.
Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions was Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III released in?
The game originally launched in Japan for the PC Engine in 1991, then came to North America on the TurboGrafx-16 in 1992. It also saw ports to the NES, Amiga, and other systems in various regions.
What makes Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III stand out among NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 titles of its era?
It refines the platforming formula of its predecessors by centering the gameplay around a parasol that can block and deflect enemy attacks. The vibrant graphics and catchy soundtrack, combined with the cooperative two‑player mode, make it a memorable action‑platformer on the system.
Is Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III exclusive to NEC TURBOGRAFX-16 or did it appear on other systems?
It was not exclusive to the TurboGrafx-16. The game appeared on several other platforms including the NES, Commodore 64, Amiga, and Atari ST, often under the same title or slight variations.
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